Taiwan warns of China's growing censorship after textbook seizures
Taiwan Warns of China's Censorship: Seizure of Taiwanese Textbooks
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) in Taiwan has alerted the public about China's increasing censorship of publications. This follows China's recent confiscation of Taiwanese textbooks, which allegedly violated the "one China" principle. The Chinese General Administration of Customs reported that its Fuzhou branch seized three books from Taiwan, claiming they contained "problematic maps" that depicted Taiwan as a separate country and ignored Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The confiscated materials were Taiwanese history and geography textbooks for junior high school students. SEF emphasized that China is using cultural and educational exchanges to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty. They warned Taiwanese citizens about the differences between China's system and Taiwan's free society.
Chinese customs have intensified censorship of materials related to territorial claims. Recently, maps and textbooks from Taiwan and Hong Kong have been seized or destroyed. Taiwanese schools in China, which rely on imported textbooks, have been affected, leading to remedial lessons during vacations.
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lai Shyh-bao criticized the seizures as an overreaction, suggesting they might be due to content changes or a hidden agenda. He noted that Taiwanese schools in China must comply with local laws.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan
Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like an independent country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
China's Censorship
Censorship in China means the government controls what people can see, read, or say, especially if it goes against their rules or beliefs. In this case, they are stopping certain books from being used because they don't agree with the content.
Straits Exchange Foundation
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) is an organization in Taiwan that helps manage relations and communication with China, especially on issues like trade and travel.
One China Principle
The 'one China' principle is a policy that says there is only one China, which includes Taiwan. China insists that other countries and regions recognize this idea.
Sovereignty
Sovereignty means having full control over your own country or area. In this context, Taiwan wants to be recognized as its own country, separate from China.
Chinese Customs
Chinese customs are the officials who check goods and people entering or leaving China. They make sure everything follows the country's laws and rules.
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